Table of Contents
Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is the second most common cancer affecting young men aged between 18 and 39. But if they receive treatment, more than 9 out of 10 men can be cured.
What is testicular cancer?
Testicular cancer is a cancer that develops in the testicles, the two small, egg-shaped glands behind the penis that produce sperm. The cancer is usually just in one testicle, but it can appear in both. It is possible for testicular cancer to spread to the lymph nodes in the stomach or to other parts of the body.
Testicular cancer risk factors
It is not known why some men develop testicular cancer. It is not caused by injuring the testicles. However, men may be at greater risk of developing testicular cancer if:
  • they have had cancer in the other testicle before
  • they have undescended testicles (testicles that did not move down into the scrotum after you were born)
  • they have a father or brother who had testicular cancer (although the risk is very small)
  • they have fertility problems (trouble fathering a baby)
  • they have HIV or AIDS
  • they were born with a defect of the penis known as hypospadias
Types of testicular cancer
There are different types of testicular cancer and their names are determined by the type of cell where the cancer develops. The most common type is known as seminoma. The other types are known as non-seminoma and include choriocarcinoma, embryonal carcinoma, teratoma and yolk sac tumours. Another condition, called intratubular germ cell neoplasia (ITGCN or IGCN), has a 1 in 2 chance of developing into testicular cancer within 5 years. This condition can only be found if you have a biopsy.
Testicular cancer symptoms
The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a painless lump or swelling of one of the testicles. Other symptoms may include:
  • a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum (the sac of skin that holds the testicles)
  • a change in the size or shape of a testicle
  • a feeling that the testicles are uneven
  • aches and pains in the testicles, scrotum, stomach or back
  • enlarged, tender nipples
  • coughing or breathlessness
Testis (commonly called a testicle) with a tumour
Testis (commonly called a testicle) with a tumour
Sometimes, however, a testicular cancer will have no symptoms at all.
Testicular cancer diagnosis
If you find a lump or have any other testicular cancer symptoms, first see your doctor who will examine your testicles. If they find a lump, they may send you for an ultrasound and/or a blood test. Sometimes other tests are ordered such as a CT scan, an MRI scan or a biopsy (where a small sample of tissue is taken from the testicle).
Self-examination for testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is very often curable but you need to find it early. All young men should regularly check their testicles for any lumps or swelling. Check yourself after a warm bath or shower, when the skin of your scrotum is relaxed. Examine each testicle in turn by rolling it gently between your fingers and thumb. Also check the tube at the back of the testicle (called the epididymis) for any swelling. A healthy testicle feels firm and smooth. It is normal for one testicle to be slightly bigger or to hang lower than the other. If you notice any changes, lumps or swelling in your testicle, see a doctor straight away.
Treatment options for Testicular cancer
  • surgery
  • radiotherapy
  • chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells
  • biological therapy (biotherapy), which helps your immune system fight the cancer
Natural treatment for testicular cancer
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